The 2024 International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) Congress took place from 16 to 20 September in Alcobaça and Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. The 51st Congress welcomed over 300 participants, including members, artists, museum curators, ceramics educators, and practitioners from around the globe. Professor Lyu Pinchang, Acting President of JCU and Chair of the “Ceramic Road” International Ceramic Education Alliance, led a delegation to the congress. The five-day event featured exhibitions, seminars, site visits, and exchanges centered around the theme “Ceramics in the Mediterranean: from Antiquity to Contemporaneity.”
On the morning of September 20, Professor Lyu delivered a keynote speech titled “Ceramics: Inheritance and Innovation” and provided a comprehensive introduction to the 52nd IAC Congress, scheduled to be held in Jingdezhen in 2026. He highlighted Jingdezhen Ceramic University, the city of Jingdezhen, and the organizing committee’s preparations. Lyu also shared the university’s achievements in international exchange, including the initiation of the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale and the establishment of the “Ceramic Road” International Ceramic Education Alliance, supported by the Jingdezhen Municipal Government and IAC. Extending a warm invitation to artists and friends worldwide, Lyu’s presentation received high praise and acclaim from attendees.
During the congress, Professor Lyu engaged in candid and constructive discussions with IAC board members and representatives from the ceramics community. Topics included ideas for the 2026 Congress, the future development of international ceramic art, and potential collaboration models with JCU.
At the closing ceremony on the evening of September 20, the Chinese delegation, jointly representing JCU and the Jingdezhen Municipal Government, made a grand appearance at the Caldas da Rainha main venue. During the ceremony, Ms. Hu Xuemei, Secretary of the Jingdezhen Municipal CPC Committee, and Professor Lyu took the stage to receive the IAC mascot from Herminio Rodrigues, Mayor of Alcobaça, and Vitor Manuel Calisto Marques, Mayor of Caldas da Rainha. This symbolic handover officially marked the beginning of the “Jingdezhen Time” for the IAC Congress.
Reported by: Wang Zhiwei, President’s Office
